The Internet Protocol address, better known as the IP address, is a unique key that is used to identify objects that connect to the Internet. Knowing how to check your IP address and use it is ideal for maintaining a secure presence on the Internet.
Check your IP address to see what you are broadcasting. Online websites will be able to do a quick check instantly, and for free as well. Websites can also give you helpful information such as where IP technology claims you are located. If it hits too close to home, you should start looking at your options in securing your IP address against location tactics.
The type of IP address you have determines how quickly it will change by itself. A static IP address is one that never changes, unless a specific request is made to your Internet service provider. In that case, your request may not even be approved, even if the nature of your request is not shady. Dynamic addresses instead change each time you disconnect from the network.
You can easily mask the number that you broadcast by using a proxy. A proxy can be installed on your desktop or can be used through a web browser. Either way, the address your broadcast is either the IP address of a designated web server or a public IP address that is used among multiple people. Proxies can make some websites inaccessible, so it’s best to use them with moderation.
A natural built in method of hiding IP addresses is achieved through network address translation. NAT will hide your specific IP address, and instead show a network address to others who request it. Network addresses are useful in the fact that they will make attack from an outside source harder. While it won’t prevent all attacks, it will certainly keep the lesser skilled hackers out of your system. NAT is fairly standard on networks today using modern routers.
IP addresses are easy to change and edit, or even mask, but MAC addresses are a different story. A MAC address is based on the hardware level, so you would need new hardware to change it or do some creative engineering. Don’t give out your MAC address, since it is the number that points directly to your device and none other in the world. Hiding such information is easy with modern security software.
In Conclusion
Computers contact with IP addresses, so knowing a thing or two about how they operate isn’t such a bad idea. IP addresses can be dangerous to give out at times, but the right software can secure your computer well enough so that you won’t have to worry each time you use the Internet.
Learn more about Change My IP Address and Hide My IP Address.